Effort afoot for repeat Minn. gov run by Emmer

A new draft effort surfaced last week to get the GOP's 2010 nominee to seek a 2014 rematch with Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton.

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By Associated Press

Crookston Times - Crookston, MN

By Associated Press

Posted Feb. 5, 2013 at 8:00 PM

By Associated Press

Posted Feb. 5, 2013 at 8:00 PM

St. Paul, Minn.

Some Republicans are pining for a repeat campaign for Minnesota governor by former state Rep. Tom Emmer.

A new draft effort surfaced last week to get the GOP's 2010 nominee to seek a 2014 rematch with Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton. Emmer lost a narrow election to Dayton two years ago.

In an email, Emmer said he didn't find out about the move to get him to take another shot before it got going.

"As I've said many times before, I will never close and lock the door to a future calling," Emmer said in an email "However, I am not currently planning to run for any office in 2014."

Emmer currently hosts a daily radio show, which he said he relishes.

The draft campaign was registered with campaign regulators. It is led by a former House colleague, Doug Wardlow of Eagan. Tom Coulter, a close supporter of Emmer from the 2010 campaign, is also listed on papers connected to the draft effort.

Emmer finished about 9,000 votes behind Dayton and conceded the race just before a state recount had concluded. Before running for governor, Emmer served three House terms.

Several Republicans are sizing up a bid for governor, but they haven't taken any formal steps. There is also a draft campaign urging on Senate Minority Leader David Hann.